A FAMOUS Liverpool nightclub could be forced to close its outdoor patio for good to end a long-running feud with neighbours.

The Blue Angel has been at the centre of a row with people living in newly-built apartments in nearby Chinatown and the Ropewalks for more than four years.

Residents have repeatedly complained about loud music emitting from the club and noise created by drinkers on the terrace outside.

The dispute has seen the patio closed, reopened with a wooden screen to block out noise, and closed again after Liverpool council issued a noise abatement notice.

Last month, owners of the Seel Street venue, known to many as “The Raz”, lost their court appeal against the order.

Now, environmental health officers have applied for a review of the Blue Angel’s licence, which could see the popular terrace taken out of service for good.

The club, which claims to have provided the stage for one of The Beatles’ early auditions, opened in 1961 and is one of the most popular nightspots for the city’s students.

Residents have claimed noise levels have significantly worsened since the smoking ban was introduced.

But Nicola Peterson, who has worked at the Blue Angel for nearly 20 years, said: “Why on earth did these people move into these homes, knowing they were moving in next door to a nightclub, if all they were going to do was just complain about it?

“I think it is dreadful that in Capital of Culture year, a club with roots going back to the birth of The Beatles may be closed.

“Staff are saddened it could all come to a very abrupt end because of these people.”

Liverpool council today insisted it was not its intention to close the Blue Angel.

But nearly 6,000 people have signed up to an internet campaign to save the club.

The review will be heard by councillors at Liverpool council’s licensing committee on Monday.